About this project

£1,063

pledged of £860 goal

38

backers

Patrick Samuel is an emerging artist, working primarily with pastels and graphite pencils, but he also enjoys experimenting with water colours, acrylics, glass and oil paints. Being on the autistic spectrum with Asperger’s Syndrome, he is stimulated by bold, contrasting colours, intricate details, multiple textures, and varying shades of light and dark. Patrick's work extends to sound and video, and when not drawing or painting, he can be found working on projects he shares online with his followers.

Patrick returned to drawing and painting after a prolonged break in December 2016 as part of his daily art therapy, and is now making the transition to being a full-time artist. As a spokesperson for autism awareness, he also gives talks and presentations on the benefits of creative therapy.

In a short space of time he has produced an impressive portfolio of work and the sponsorship and support he’s received so far has enabled him to have work exhibited at shows such as Art for Autism (15 paintings and drawings), the East Barnet Festival (28 paintings and drawings over a 2-day event) and the N21 Festival (16 paintings and drawings). In September, he’ll be taking part in the Palmers Green Art Festival. He’s already spoken at The Autism Show and in the autumn, he’ll be a opening inspirational speaker at the Transition East Event.

These are challenging events for anyone, but perhaps more so for someone with a challenging form of Asperger’s Syndrome and a number of complex co-morbid conditions. However, Patrick is keen to have these social experiences where he can learn to engage with people and share with them something he’s passionate about; his story and his art. It’s also a chance for him to practice the coping mechanisms his CBT, counselling and complex care have exposed him to.

This Kickstarter campaign is aimed at raising funds to help him prepare and produce work for his first solo exhibition at the Dugdale Centre in north London. Titled ‘Escape and Return’ it will run from November 7th to December 2nd. In his own words:

"Art is my medium of escape; from the noise, the lights, the fumes and the constant stream of information. It’s deafening and blinding. The pushing and the shoving, and the race to get everywhere first and have everything now. I want it all to stop.

Painting and drawing lets me soar past the planets, where I can let my hands glide across the stars as I say goodbye to it all. Watch it fade away. And I do get that far when I realise how much I’d leave behind back on Earth; the trees, the sound of laughter and the colour of sound, the colourable real, the mythical and fantastic. I realise how much I’d miss it all. How much I’d miss you. This is my return."

Your donations will help cover the costs related to the preparation and execution of a long and extensive solo exhibition, as well as the cost of various art materials necessary to produce art and prepare work for public viewing. Your generous support will enable Patrick to make the most of this very exciting and unique opportunity.

Risks and challenges

There is minimal risk involved in this project. On some days Patrick may feel unwell, either due to irritability or stomach issues associated with his autism spectrum disorder, or side effects from his medication, but these are also moments that fuel his creativity and desire to produce something tangible at the end of the day.